“Leo! That is not how we are treated! They welcomed us home! They helped us despite the things I have done in siding with Endora!” Dad snapped.
“Nah, you’re just blinded, and you know what? I once thought you were a brave alpha, but you’re nothing more than a fucking loser, Dad. I’m just glad Mom isn’t around to see the fucking dud her mate has become,” I said coldly. The flash of hurt that crossed his face was satisfying. “The moment I turn eighteen, the first thing I will do is change my name to Leo Herrmann. It’s a fucking insult to be called Rossi.”
“Leo!Your mother would not approve of you taking her name! She would not want her son to throw aside his lineage-”
“Nah, you just can’t take it. You know what? To hell with the fucking Rossis. I’d rather only be tied to her and be known as her son alone. As for the title of Alpha, keep it for now. Sooner or later, it will be mine.” I simply smiled coldly. “But, pack or not, I will raise hell single-handed.”
With those final words, I turned, giving him the finger, and left the kitchen, slamming the door so hard I heard it splinter. Fuck ‘em all.
There Was Once a Princess
Kiara
The following day, Alejandro looked restless and had been distracted all morning. He had his block up, so whatever was worrying him was obviously something he didn’t want to share with me. It did hurt, but I knew he had his reasons… I myself felt so uncertain after what had happened with Dante last night. I wanted to tell Alejandro about it, but I wasn’t managing to get him alone for even a moment. Plus, I didn’t want him to get too worried; however, I wasn’t stupid enough to keep silent about it.
“I’ll see you later, Amore Mio.” He cupped my face, giving me a deep kiss before he pulled away. I nodded, unable to argue. I had to wait for a few minutes, knowing he was busy.
“I love you,” I whispered.
“Love you more.” He gave me a sexy smirk, placing another kiss on my lips. His actions made me close my eyes, enjoying the feel of his touch before he walked away.
“Are you okay?” Mom’s soft voice came as she placed her hands on my shoulders from behind. She looked at me with concern. Well, I couldn’t tell Alejandro, but I could tell Mom, at least.
“Just, something happened last night, and it’s unnerving me,” I sighed, turning towards her. Mom smiled, brushing my hair off my face.
“Come on, let’s go somewhere else,” she suggested, and I nodded as she led me through to the back garden. Taking a seat on a bench, Mom turned towards me. She remained silent, waiting for me to start talking.
“Last night, I touched Dante, and it burned… and then I had this terrifying urge to grab a knife,” Iwhispered, my heart pounding at the horrible thoughts and actions that had tempted me. Mom’s smile vanished. She frowned, her eyes flashing silver before she placed a hand on my shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“There is no way you would ever do that. Don’t feel bad, Kia, that is not you wanting to do that. We are all here for you, and if it ever feels like it’s getting stronger, we are all around you. You will never be alone,” she said softly, hugging me tightly. I closed my eyes and nodded, hugging her back. I inhaled her warm, comforting scent. No matter how old we were, we would always need our parents’ comfort…
“Mama!” Azura’s voice came as she stormed into the garden, hands on her hips.
“Yes, baby?” Mom replied, turning to her. She sighed dramatically and came over to us both, looking at us both before shaking her head.
“Seriously, you two are out here, and me and Sky are trying to get Kataleya to come play with us,” she complained.
Mom and I both frowned as worry flitted through me. I didn’t like to see her so broken. I may not have my memories, but from the videos I had been watching, she was a happy child. Skyla ran over, too, and nodded in agreement with Azura.
“She’s doing it again.”
“Doing what?” Mom asked gently, despite the concern on her face.
“Using one hand to do everything. She was buttoning her cardigan, and she was refusing to put her teddy down, and then when I said I’ll help her, she refused and was going to cry,” Sky explained. Her eyes were full of sadness and worry. I sighed heavily, feeling the pain in my chest growing.
“You girls play. I’ll go to Kat, okay?” I said, reaching over and giving both their cheeks a slight pull.
“Owie!” Skyla giggled before smiling and giving me a nod. “Ok, Mama!” The girls ran off, and I stood up.
“Don’t worry too much, Kiara. We are here,” Mom promised, and I nodded.
She was right. I wasn’t alone, and everyone was around. If I felt strange again, I would just call for help or tell someone instantly.
“Thanks, Mom,” I replied before I headed inside to find my little Kataleya.
I didn’t need to search. As the girls had said, she was in her bedroom, sitting on the bed, clutching the same teddy bear tightly. Her long hair fell down her back, and, although she looked like the cutest little angel sitting there, the sadness in her eyes remained, and it broke my heart. I walked over to her, crouching before the bed, and placed my hands on her tiny knees.
“Hey, my little princess. The weather is so warm outside, why are you sitting here?” I asked gently, cupping her cheek with one hand. Her arm tightened around her teddy, and she shrugged.
